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K2 purchase considered

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john daws

K2 purchase considered

Advice and opinions sought please

Am a CW only operator with retro tendencies! I enjoy QRP but also the
flexibility to QRO to 50 watts (maximum allowed for the intermediate
licence)

Have used a KX3 since 2016 and added a KXPA 100 +ATU last year

Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
experienced builder here in the UK.

Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!

If I order the basic K2+ KNB2+KAF2 I can presumably use this combination
with the KXPA100+ATU which I already have?

Is there any other combination or extra I should look at as a literally CW
only operator??

I do not need KSB2 or the K160m options.

(Would buy second hand if I could find a good one but would need to know a
lot about the provenance of the builder)

Would be really interested to hear what folks think

Best

John 2E0XET/M6KET

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Don Wilhelm

Re: K2 purchase considered

John,

The K2/10 does not have a KEYOUT signal, so you would have to add one to
key the KXPA100 (it is not a kit available from Elecraft). You can see
what needs to be added at http://www.mmccs.com/mmarc/n0ss/index_k2.html
- scroll down to K2 (basic) External T-R Relay Driver. Contrary to what
is stated, no kits are available - N0SS is SK.

Other than that, the K2 is still a good transceiver even though it is a
22 year old design.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/20/2020 1:07 PM, John Daws wrote:

> Advice and opinions sought please
>
>
>
> Am a CW only operator with retro tendencies! I enjoy QRP but also the
> flexibility to QRO to 50 watts (maximum allowed for the intermediate
> licence)
>
>
>
> Have used a KX3 since 2016 and added a KXPA 100 +ATU last year
>
>
>
> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
> experienced builder here in the UK.
>
>
>
> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>
>
>
>
>
> If I order the basic K2+ KNB2+KAF2 I can presumably use this combination
> with the KXPA100+ATU which I already have?
>
>
>
> Is there any other combination or extra I should look at as a literally CW
> only operator??
>
>
>
> I do not need KSB2 or the K160m options.
>
>
>
> (Would buy second hand if I could find a good one but would need to know a
> lot about the provenance of the builder)
>
>
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by john daws

On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
> experienced builder here in the UK.
>
>
>
> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!

Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
KX3, K4) are better radios.

73, Jim K9YC

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Ed Pflueger

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

I think Dave W8FGU might have some Fixed Audio Out and PTT Kits for Sale.

Ed.. AB4IQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2020 12:40 PM
To: John Daws <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered

John,

The K2/10 does not have a KEYOUT signal, so you would have to add one to key
the KXPA100 (it is not a kit available from Elecraft). You can see what
needs to be added at http://www.mmccs.com/mmarc/n0ss/index_k2.html
- scroll down to K2 (basic) External T-R Relay Driver. Contrary to what is
stated, no kits are available - N0SS is SK.

Other than that, the K2 is still a good transceiver even though it is a
22 year old design.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/20/2020 1:07 PM, John Daws wrote:

> Advice and opinions sought please
>
>
>
> Am a CW only operator with retro tendencies! I enjoy QRP but also the
> flexibility to QRO to 50 watts (maximum allowed for the intermediate
> licence)
>
>
>
> Have used a KX3 since 2016 and added a KXPA 100 +ATU last year
>
>
>
> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
> experienced builder here in the UK.
>
>
>
> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>
>
>
>
>
> If I order the basic K2+ KNB2+KAF2 I can presumably use this
> combination with the KXPA100+ATU which I already have?
>
>
>
> Is there any other combination or extra I should look at as a
> literally CW only operator??
>
>
>
> I do not need KSB2 or the K160m options.
>
>
>
> (Would buy second hand if I could find a good one but would need to
> know a lot about the provenance of the builder)
>
>
>

George Thornton

Re: K2 purchase considered

I have owned both a K2 and K3. I have also worked but have not owned a KX3.

I am also not a CW operator.

The K2 was one of the more interesting kit projects, I had a lot of fun with it and learned a lot. It is built "old school" with very little surface mount chips.

It is however a 22 year old design. The K3 and Kx3 are more recent design and have significantly improved receivers.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Ed Pflueger
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2020 11:55 AM
To: [hidden email]; 'John Daws' <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered

I think Dave W8FGU might have some Fixed Audio Out and PTT Kits for Sale.

Ed.. AB4IQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2020 12:40 PM
To: John Daws <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered

John,

The K2/10 does not have a KEYOUT signal, so you would have to add one to key the KXPA100 (it is not a kit available from Elecraft). You can see what needs to be added at http://www.mmccs.com/mmarc/n0ss/index_k2.html
- scroll down to K2 (basic) External T-R Relay Driver. Contrary to what is stated, no kits are available - N0SS is SK.

Other than that, the K2 is still a good transceiver even though it is a
22 year old design.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/20/2020 1:07 PM, John Daws wrote:

> Advice and opinions sought please
>
>
>
> Am a CW only operator with retro tendencies! I enjoy QRP but also the
> flexibility to QRO to 50 watts (maximum allowed for the intermediate
> licence)
>
>
>
> Have used a KX3 since 2016 and added a KXPA 100 +ATU last year
>
>
>
> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
> experienced builder here in the UK.
>
>
>
> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>
>
>
>
>
> If I order the basic K2+ KNB2+KAF2 I can presumably use this
> combination with the KXPA100+ATU which I already have?
>
>
>
> Is there any other combination or extra I should look at as a
> literally CW only operator??
>
>
>
> I do not need KSB2 or the K160m options.
>
>
>
> (Would buy second hand if I could find a good one but would need to
> know a lot about the provenance of the builder)
>
>
>

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Ed Pflueger

John

I agree that in late 2020 the fun nowadays, especially if you have a KX3/100, would be around building the K2.

You know your own comfort level but to get your 2E0 license you had to build a circuit that worked and with that and given the Elecraft K2 build documentation is simply great, you might find the K2 build well within your grasp. On a side note, I think the UK licensing exams (I went through the whole suite about 18 months ago) enable hams in a way that we in the US should consider especially the entry level exam that requires candidates to get on the air and make a couple of contacts.

I built mine back in 2010 and hadn’t really got a lot of kit building under my belt. I made mine and if you get stuck you will surely find a lot of people on this reflector to help you and I possibly the folks that helped you get through the 2E0 license build.

Paul
W6PNG/M0SNA
www.nomadic.blog

> On Nov 20, 2020, at 11:54 AM, Ed Pflueger <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I think Dave W8FGU might have some Fixed Audio Out and PTT Kits for Sale.
>
> Ed.. AB4IQ
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> [mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Friday, November 20, 2020 12:40 PM
> To: John Daws <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>; [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered
>
> John,
>
> The K2/10 does not have a KEYOUT signal, so you would have to add one to key
> the KXPA100 (it is not a kit available from Elecraft). You can see what
> needs to be added at http://www.mmccs.com/mmarc/n0ss/index_k2.html
> - scroll down to K2 (basic) External T-R Relay Driver. Contrary to what is
> stated, no kits are available - N0SS is SK.
>
> Other than that, the K2 is still a good transceiver even though it is a
> 22 year old design.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 11/20/2020 1:07 PM, John Daws wrote:
>> Advice and opinions sought please
>>
>>
>>
>> Am a CW only operator with retro tendencies! I enjoy QRP but also the
>> flexibility to QRO to 50 watts (maximum allowed for the intermediate
>> licence)
>>
>>
>>
>> Have used a KX3 since 2016 and added a KXPA 100 +ATU last year
>>
>>
>>
>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>
>>
>>
>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> If I order the basic K2+ KNB2+KAF2 I can presumably use this
>> combination with the KXPA100+ATU which I already have?
>>
>>
>>
>> Is there any other combination or extra I should look at as a
>> literally CW only operator??
>>
>>
>>
>> I do not need KSB2 or the K160m options.
>>
>>
>>
>> (Would buy second hand if I could find a good one but would need to
>> know a lot about the provenance of the builder)
>>
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message
> delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

John...

Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His
view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the
K2 was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur
radio operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I
have continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to
smile when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of
the moment. It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there
were no other options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all
excellent radios that should be considered; you can't go wrong with any
of them. That said and speaking for myself, I would sell any of the
"better" radios in my possession before parting with my K2. When you go
on to better and better rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with
the K2. This reads like a "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No
offense to anyone meant. Just one ham's opinion.

...robert

11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>
>>
>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>
> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
> KX3, K4) are better radios.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA

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ae5ka

Re: K2 purchase considered

>
> I have the KX1, KX2, KX3, and K2. K2 is definitely my most loved radio,
> and most often used in the shack. Not being a contester or die hard dxer, I
> haven't felt that the K2 has limited me at all in my use. Certainly the KX3
> is the better radio by almost any parameter, but I still use the K2 far
> more and have enjoyed tuning and modifying it. If you do any digital beyond
> CW, it certainly isn't as easy to use (without modification), but there are
> mods to make it easier if you wish.
>

Chip
AE5KA
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Macy monkeys

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.

John K7FD

> On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> John...
>
> Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2 was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment. It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just one ham's opinion.
>
> ...robert
>
>
> 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>>
>>>
>>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>
>> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
>> KX3, K4) are better radios.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> --
> Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
> [hidden email]
> Syracuse, New York, USA
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

barry halterman

Re: K2 purchase considered

I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how a K2
got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July to do
something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a pleasure,
and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type
of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having known this
irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!!
I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the strong
pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific service, but the
pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor.
I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale.
K3bo

On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the
> shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.
>
> John K7FD
>
> > On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <
> [hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > John...
> >
> > Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His
> view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2
> was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio
> operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have
> continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile
> when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment.
> It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other
> options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that
> should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and
> speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my
> possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better
> rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a
> "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just
> one ham's opinion.
> >
> > ...robert
> >
> >
> > 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> >>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
> >>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
> >>> experienced builder here in the UK.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
> >>
> >> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
> >> KX3, K4) are better radios.
> >>
> >> 73, Jim K9YC
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> Elecraft mailing list
> >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> >> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >>
> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
> > --
> > Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
> > [hidden email]
> > Syracuse, New York, USA
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

K1FFX

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Ed Pflueger

Ed Pflueger wrote
> I think Dave W8FGU might have some Fixed Audio Out and PTT Kits for Sale.

I can confirm that W8FGU has the "K2 T-R External Relay Driver Board Kit"
available on his website w8fgu.com. It's a nice little kit, easy
build/install, and Dave was a pleasure to work with.

- Bruce K1FFX

-----
Bruce Rosen
K1FFX
K2/100 6982 KSB2 KAT100-1 KAF2 KIO2

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Bruce Rosen
K1FFX
K2/100 6982 KSB2 KAT100-1 KAF2 KIO2

Jim Brown-10

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

On 11/20/2020 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft wrote:
> His view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building
> the K2 was/is one of the "peak experiences"

No question, Robert. But the original post gave me the impression he was
expecting to use a local builder, which is why I responded as I did.

73, Jim K9YC
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Vic Rosenthal

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by barry halterman

Strange. I have K2 #725, which received various mods over the years, but I never noticed anything like a loud pop, nor do I recall a mod for it.

Victor 4X6GP

> On 21 Nov 2020, at 4:41, barry halterman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how a K2
> got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July to do
> something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a pleasure,
> and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
> around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
> strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
> The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type
> of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having known this
> irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!!
> I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the strong
> pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific service, but the
> pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor.
> I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale.
> K3bo
>
>> On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the
>> shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.
>>
>> John K7FD
>>
>>> On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <
>> [hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> John...
>>>
>>> Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His
>> view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2
>> was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio
>> operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have
>> continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile
>> when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment.
>> It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other
>> options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that
>> should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and
>> speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my
>> possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better
>> rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a
>> "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just
>> one ham's opinion.
>>>
>>> ...robert
>>>
>>>
>>> 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>>>>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>>>>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>>>
>>>> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
>>>> KX3, K4) are better radios.
>>>>
>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>> --
>>> Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
>>> [hidden email]
>>> Syracuse, New York, USA
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by barry halterman

Barry...
No pops from K2 #5957 in any signal environment. Did Elecraft say that
was normal?
...robert

On 11/21/2020 02:39 AM, barry halterman wrote:

> I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how a K2
> got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July to do
> something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a pleasure,
> and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
> around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
> strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
> The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type
> of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having known this
> irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!!
> I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the strong
> pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific service, but the
> pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor.
> I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale.
> K3bo
>
> On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the
>> shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.
>>
>> John K7FD
>>
>>> On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <
>> [hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> John...
>>>
>>> Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His
>> view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2
>> was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio
>> operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have
>> continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile
>> when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment.
>> It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other
>> options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that
>> should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and
>> speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my
>> possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better
>> rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a
>> "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just
>> one ham's opinion.
>>>
>>> ...robert
>>>
>>>
>>> 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>>>>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>>>>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>>>
>>>> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
>>>> KX3, K4) are better radios.
>>>>
>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>> --
>>> Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
>>> [hidden email]
>>> Syracuse, New York, USA
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Drew AF2Z

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by barry halterman

On 11/20/20 21:39, barry halterman wrote:
> and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
> around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
> strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!

Possibly key clicks? Unfortunately, there are too many rigs out there
that produce them, even modern gear that should have been designed
better. Adjusting NB and AGC might help a little.

73,
Drew
AF2Z
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Rich NE1EE

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by barry halterman

On 2020-11-20 21:39:-0500, barry halterman wrote:
>... I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
>around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
>strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
>The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type
>of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast....

I run my original Kenwood TS830 (I lurk here because I am thinking of purchasing an Elecraft, and wanted to see what folks have to say). I was surprised the first time I heard someone manually scanning the bands, and there were regular pops. They were at regular intervals, but I don't recall the freq step. It was on even boundaries, though, such as 3.900000 and so on. Not sure if it was on all bands, and I don't recall which rigs had it. Even so, it was more like clicks than pops, and not very loud. they would click in both directions as the boundary passed. I asked an op to "hold" on a click, but it was not possible.

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Mark Musick

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Vic Rosenthal

I have K2/10 serial #5308 and have not noticed any loud pop on strong CW signals.
I used it in the 2018 and 2019 CQWW CW contest to obtain my QRP DXCC award with no such problem.
I do have the DSP module and not the audio filter option. I'm not sure that makes a difference.

73,
Mark, WB9CIF

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Vic Rosenthal
Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2020 01:13
To: barry halterman <[hidden email]>
Cc: elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered

Strange. I have K2 #725, which received various mods over the years, but I never noticed anything like a loud pop, nor do I recall a mod for it.

Victor 4X6GP

> On 21 Nov 2020, at 4:41, barry halterman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how
> a K2 got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July
> to do something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a
> pleasure, and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop
> when tuning around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to
> maximum signal strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
> The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this
> type of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having
> known this irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!!
> I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the
> strong pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific
> service, but the pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor.
> I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale.
> K3bo
>
>> On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the
>> shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.
>>
>> John K7FD
>>
>>> On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <
>> [hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> John...
>>>
>>> Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have.
>>> His
>> view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building
>> the K2 was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an
>> amateur radio operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better"
>> radio - I have continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I
>> never fail to smile when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment.
>> It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no
>> other options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent
>> radios that should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of
>> them. That said and speaking for myself, I would sell any of the
>> "better" radios in my possession before parting with my K2. When you
>> go on to better and better rigs, you'll never regret the time spent
>> with the K2. This reads like a "testimonial," and I suppose that it
>> is. No offense to anyone meant. Just one ham's opinion.
>>>
>>> ...robert
>>>
>>>
>>> 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>>>>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have
>>>>> an experienced builder here in the UK.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>>>
>>>> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3,
>>>> K3S, KX3, K4) are better radios.
>>>>
>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home:
>>>> https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fma
>>>> ilman.qth.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Felecraft&data=04%7C01%7C%7
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>>>
>>> --
>>> Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY [hidden email]
>>> Syracuse, New York, USA
>>>
>>>
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Macy monkeys

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Vic Rosenthal

Me neither. #586.

John K7FD

> On Nov 20, 2020, at 10:13 PM, Vic Rosenthal <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Strange. I have K2 #725, which received various mods over the years, but I never noticed anything like a loud pop, nor do I recall a mod for it.
>
> Victor 4X6GP
>
>> On 21 Nov 2020, at 4:41, barry halterman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how a K2
>> got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July to do
>> something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a pleasure,
>> and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
>> around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
>> strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
>> The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type
>> of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having known this
>> irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!!
>> I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the strong
>> pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific service, but the
>> pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor.
>> I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale.
>> K3bo
>>
>>> On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the
>>> shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.
>>>
>>> John K7FD
>>>
>>>>> On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <
>>>> [hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> John...
>>>>
>>>> Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His
>>> view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2
>>> was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio
>>> operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have
>>> continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile
>>> when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment.
>>> It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other
>>> options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that
>>> should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and
>>> speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my
>>> possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better
>>> rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a
>>> "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just
>>> one ham's opinion.
>>>>
>>>> ...robert
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>>>>>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>>>>>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>>>>
>>>>> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
>>>>> KX3, K4) are better radios.
>>>>>
>>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
>>>> [hidden email]
>>>> Syracuse, New York, USA
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>>>
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>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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WA2SI

Re: K2 purchase considered

Greetings to all,

My K2/100 ser. no. 3595 has served faithfully with nary a niggle for almost two decades now. It did receive a thorough alignment and 60m upgrade, courtesy of Don Wilhelm, approx. two years ago. It now excites an Ameritron AL-80BQ.

I also own a Yaesu FT-991a (Purchased for its VHF/UHF SSB/CW capability.) While on paper, the newer rig's rcvr should handily outperform the older K2, it doesn't to my ears. The K2 is more pleasant to listen to and has, on at least one occasion, "heard" a DX sig that the Yaesu simply didn't using the very same antenna and comparable rcvr settings.

I doubt anybody would be disappointed with the K2's performance, particularly on CW. Best of health and happy holidays to all.

Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI

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Dave Van Wallaghen-2

Re: K2 purchase considered

In reply to this post by Macy monkeys

Fellow listers,

I'd like to add some clarity to the audio chirp problem mentioned by
Barry. As some of you may or may not know, I took over for Don Wilhelm,
W3FPR when he retired in February of 2019. I am a third party service
provider through my company W8FGU Services, LLC as well as an employee
of Elecraft providing support and servicing of their Classic Line of
products.

Barry contacted me a few months ago to report the chirping (popping)
problem and sent me his K2 for service. I spent a good amount of hours
researching this problem where I was able to reproduce what Barry was
hearing. It was through his wonderful description of how to produce the
problem that I was able to reproduce the same issue on a number of K2's
I have here in the shop including my own personal K2 #5099.

With that said, I must emphasize that the great majority of K2 users
will not be affected by this issue. There have been reports of chirps or
pops during tuning in the past. Most were resolved by running CAL PLL
again and making sure that the bottom cover was installed on the unit
after plenty of warm up time. This is still the first line of defense
when dealing with this problem. Unfortunately for Barry, this did not
solve the issue he was hearing. And while I can explain why the issue
occurs, I can't really explain why it is worse for some units than
others except to say that the K2 was designed to use readily available
through-hole parts with 5% and 10% tolerances and that it's possible
those tolerances add up in certain circumstances. And, it must be
remembered that the K2 is a 22 year old design. The fact that this
design still produces a rig with the performance numbers it has after 22
years and is still available as a build-able kit is a great tribute to
Wayne and Eric's vision and implementation.

The issue: audio chirps and pops were being heard while tuning only when
there were strong signals on the band within +/- 50KHz of the VFO
frequency being tuned. These chirps were being heard every 5KHz of
tuning. This happens to be the tuning boundary of the K2 PLL Oscillator.
In a nutshell, at the 5KHz boundary, the PLL chip was programmed with
new divide by registers and then the PLL Oscillator was moved to the min
or max end of its range depending on the direction of tuning. Between
these two operations was a brief period (a few milliseconds) where there
was some instability while the closed loop of the PLL circuit settled
down after the change in boundary. This produced a large voltage spike
from the output of the PLL chip that caused the integrator circuit
feeding the VCO varactors to sweep the VCO 50KHz or so in a few
milliseconds. If there was a large signal in that frequency range, it
was heard as a chirp or pop. It would be like spinning the VFO knob
50KHz in 8 milliseconds. This is why these chirps are not heard when
there are no signals on the band in the area of tuning.

As I was able to reproduce this issue, I believe in the past, I just
simply blew off what I heard as atmospheric noise while I was tuning,
especially on noisier bands like 40m. Barry could really hear it on 20m
where there was less atmospheric noise but large signals on the band.
This is especially exacerbated when tuning through the lower part of 20m
during a contest where strong CW and digital mode signals made this very
noticeable. Again, most users will not notice this especially if tuning
slowly through the band. When using a tuning rate of 100Hz or 1KHz, it
may be more noticeable as you are hitting the 5KHz PLL Osc boundary
quicker.

As I explained to Barry, I would never have noticed this before he
explained how to produce it. Now that I know what it is, it drives me
crazy. And I am not describing this to bring it to light for all of you
(although I know many of you will try to reproduce it now - sorry). As
Wayne explained to me, this type of PLL tuning design was fairly popular
(and cutting edge) at the time and many radios of the time might produce
similar results.

What I came up with for Barry was a simple one-shot circuit that would
punch the AGC line of the IF Amp during the 5KHz tuning boundary to
dampen the volume for about 15ms to prevent the audio chirp. It monitors
the chip select line of the PLL chip which happens when the process of
setting the divide by registers is going to occur at the beginning of
the PLL boundary reset. The pulse dampens the IF Amp long enough to
allow completion of the boundary reset and prevent any strong signals to
be heard that may be in the VCO sweep that follows.

Again, the vast majority of users will not notice this issue, and as I
mentioned, it may be at different intensities on a per unit basis. I am
trying to develop a very small SMD version of this one-shot circuit for
Barry to test out. This is not a documented mod as yet and has not been
approved by Wayne and Eric in any manner except for experimental
purposes. I just wanted to explain where things are at before this
conversation became speculative or confrontational.

I will be happy to answer any questions that may come up.

73,
Dave W8FGU

------ Original Message ------
From: "Macy monkeys" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 11/21/2020 9:53:35 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 purchase considered

>
>Me neither. #586.
>
>John K7FD
>
>> On Nov 20, 2020, at 10:13 PM, Vic Rosenthal <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Strange. I have K2 #725, which received various mods over the years, but I never noticed anything like a loud pop, nor do I recall a mod for it.
>>
>> Victor 4X6GP
>>
>>> On 21 Nov 2020, at 4:41, barry halterman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> I will throw my two cents in on this. Quite frankly, I do not see how a K2
>>> got the reviews it did over the years. I put one together in July to do
>>> something during lock down. After assembly, which was really a pleasure,
>>> and in two or three weeks after, I noticed a disturbing pop when tuning
>>> around strong cw stations. The s meter would jump to maximum signal
>>> strength and my ears took a beating with the loud pop!
>>> The rig went back to Elecraft for evaluation and I was told with this type
>>> of PLL circuit design, this is the nature of the beast. Having known this
>>> irritating pop is nature of the beast, I would have saved my money!!
>>> I want to say that Elecraft made a modification to help with the strong
>>> pops and I am very thankful for that and the the terrific service, but the
>>> pops are a big annoyance to me even with the suppressor.
>>> I still am evaluating if I want to keep this thing or put it up for sale.
>>> K3bo
>>>
>>>> On Fri, Nov 20, 2020, 9:11 PM Macy monkeys <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Agree. I have had a parade of 'better' rigs come and go through the
>>>> shack...but my K2 built over 20 years ago is still here.
>>>>
>>>> John K7FD
>>>>
>>>>>> On Nov 20, 2020, at 5:41 PM, Robert G Strickland via Elecraft <
>>>>>[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> John...
>>>>>
>>>>> Jim has the resume to back up his opinion(s) which I do not have. His
>>>> view point always merits serious consideration. For myself, building the K2
>>>> was/is one of the "peak experiences" I have enjoyed as an amateur radio
>>>> operator. While I now use a K3s - and it is a "better" radio - I have
>>>> continued to use the K2 regularly over the years. I never fail to smile
>>>> when it powers up, and the two of us go on the radio journey of the moment.
>>>> It is my go-to radio for field day. When I bought it there were no other
>>>> options, while today, the KX2/3, K3/s, K4 are all excellent radios that
>>>> should be considered; you can't go wrong with any of them. That said and
>>>> speaking for myself, I would sell any of the "better" radios in my
>>>> possession before parting with my K2. When you go on to better and better
>>>> rigs, you'll never regret the time spent with the K2. This reads like a
>>>> "testimonial," and I suppose that it is. No offense to anyone meant. Just
>>>> one ham's opinion.
>>>>>
>>>>> ...robert
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 11/20/2020 06:54 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>>>> On 11/20/2020 10:07 AM, John Daws wrote:
>>>>>>> Am really tempted to get a K2 to use alongside the above- I have an
>>>>>>> experienced builder here in the UK.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Everything I have read about the K2 excites me!!
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Most of the fun of the K2 is in the building. The newer rigs (K3, K3S,
>>>>>> KX3, K4) are better radios.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>>>
>>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
>>>>>[hidden email]
>>>>> Syracuse, New York, USA
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>>
>>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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